DEFRA's New E-Waste Rules Are Here

As of 12 August 2025, online marketplaces must now contribute to the cost of recycling electrical waste - marking a transformative step in the UK’s efforts to create a fairer, more circular economy.

WERCS welcomes this policy change and is ready to support businesses adapting to the new regulatory landscape.

What’s Changed?

The new rules mean online marketplaces are now considered producers under the WEEE regulations. Platforms like Amazon and eBay must:

• 🔐 Register with the Environment Agency

• 📊 Report sales volumes - especially from overseas sellers

• 💷 Finance their share of electrical waste recycling costs

This change closes a long-standing loophole that placed the burden solely on UK-based retailers and importers.

Mary Creagh, Circular Economy Minister:

“Ensuring online marketplaces pay their share will increase recycling and level the playing field for UK-based retailers… boosting growth and making the system fairer through our Plan for Change.”

Vape Waste: New WEEE Category Introduced

A key component of the reforms is the creation of a dedicated WEEE category for vapes, recognising the scale of waste and the need to more accurately reflect the cost of recycling these products, which often contain lithium and copper.

Previously, vape producers contributed under the broader "Small Mixed WEEE" (Category 7), which did not adequately cover the real-world costs of collecting and processing vapes.

The introduction of Category 7.1 ensures that vape producers now pay their fair share, based on the actual cost of safely managing and recycling these items.

This is not a new obligation - vape producers were already within scope of WEEE, but the change ensures costs are more appropriately attributed to those placing these complex products on the market.

To help businesses navigate these changes, Waste Experts has produced a practical 2025 Vape Ban Preparation Guide, covering the legal, operational, and environmental responsibilities associated with the new vape rules.

Why This Matters for Retailers

This is more than a compliance update - it’s a real win for UK businesses. Benefits include:

• ⚖️ Fairer competition with online-only and international sellers

• 🧾 Lower compliance costs through shared obligations

• 🔄 Improved recycling access and infrastructure investment

• 🌍 Stronger alignment with ESG, Net Zero, and CSR strategies

The government also confirmed increased support for local authorities and retailers, helping ensure effective collection and recycling systems.

Key Compliance Actions for 2025

WERCS recommends businesses take the following steps to prepare:

• ✅ Register as required with the Environment Agency

• ✅ Implement robust sales tracking and product categorisation

• ✅ Identify third-party vendor volumes (for marketplaces)

• ✅ Review vape product waste management processes

• ✅ Work with accredited compliance partners

A comprehensive business waste management guide is available via Waste Experts for organisations seeking more detail.

How WERCS Can Help

WERCS provides retailers, importers, and distributors with:

• Expert interpretation of DEFRA policy updates

• WEEE registration and documentation services

• Audit readiness support

• Strategy for ongoing circular economy compliance

WERCS operates as a distinct compliance division, offering independent regulatory expertise while working in collaboration with providers like Waste Experts to deliver complete end-to-end solutions.

Final Word

DEFRA’s new WEEE rules are a turning point - not just for recycling policy, but for retail sustainability and competitiveness.

With WERCS as your compliance partner, your business can stay ahead of the curve, reduce risk, and contribute meaningfully to a cleaner, fairer future.

📩 Need to talk WEEE? Get in touch with the WERCS team today to discuss your compliance strategy.